How to Make a Matcha Latte — Comparing 13 Matcha Powders
Sift your matcha powder to break up clumps, whisk it with a little hot (not boiling) water until smooth and frothy, then combine with milk over ice or hot. Choose pure 100% matcha if you want to control sweetness yourself, or a pre-sweetened matcha latte powder for a ready-sweet drink. The source video does not specify exact gram weights or temperatures.
A matcha latte is whisked green tea powder combined with milk. This guide covers building one from either pure unsweetened matcha or a pre-sweetened matcha latte powder, the two product types compared in the source video.
What you need
- Fine sieve or strainer
- Bamboo whisk or handheld milk frother
- Small bowl or cup
- Milk pitcher
- Serving glass
Method
Decide which type of matcha you are using: a pure 100% matcha powder with no sugar, or a pre-sweetened matcha latte powder.
The source compares both categories; pure matcha lets you control sweetness, while latte powder already tastes sweet once mixed.
Sift the matcha powder through a fine strainer into a bowl or cup to remove any clumps.
Expert tipSifting is the difference between a smooth latte and a grainy one, especially with pure ceremonial-style matcha.
Add a small amount of hot (not boiling) water and whisk vigorously until the matcha is fully dissolved and lightly frothy.
Expert tipA bamboo whisk or a handheld frother both work; whisk in a brisk motion rather than slow stirring to build a smooth foam.
Taste the base. If using pure unsweetened matcha, stir in sweetener to taste; if using a pre-sweetened latte powder, no extra sugar is needed.
Fill a glass with milk, adding ice first for an iced latte, then pour the whisked matcha over the milk.
Stir gently to combine and serve.
Beyond a plain latte, the same matcha can be the base for other drinks worth experimenting with on a cafe menu.
Watch it done
The source videos we studied to build this method.
▸ Trimmed to the recipe steps (1:33–2:18)
The creator introduces a side-by-side comparison of unsweetened pure matcha powders and pre-sweetened matcha latte powders.
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Why this works
Sifting and brisk whisking fully disperse the fine matcha particles so the drink is smooth rather than gritty, and using water below boiling protects the tea from turning harsh and bitter. Choosing between pure matcha and a pre-sweetened powder lets you dial in exactly how sweet the final drink is.
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Where beginners go wrong
- 1
Clumpy or grainy matcha
Sift the powder before whisking and whisk briskly with a little hot water before adding milk.
- 2
Bitter, harsh flavor
Your water was too hot; let just-boiled water cool slightly so it is below boiling before whisking the matcha.
- 3
Too sweet or not sweet enough
Match the product to your goal: use pure unsweetened matcha and add sweetener yourself, or use a pre-sweetened matcha latte powder for built-in sweetness.
What you should taste
A good matcha latte is smooth and lump-free, with the grassy, slightly vegetal flavor of green tea balanced by creamy milk. Pure matcha reads more savory and brisk, while a pre-sweetened latte powder leans sweet and rounded.
FAQ
What is the difference between pure matcha and matcha latte powder?
Pure matcha is 100% green tea powder with no added sugar, so you control the sweetness. A matcha latte powder is pre-sweetened and tastes mildly sweet once mixed, which is why many cafes use it.
Why shouldn't I use boiling water?
Water that is too hot makes matcha taste bitter. Use water below boiling, letting freshly boiled water cool slightly before you whisk.
Do I need a bamboo whisk?
No. A bamboo whisk works well, but a handheld milk frother also dissolves the powder and creates a smooth, frothy base.
Method adapted from @coffictures's video.
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